A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

Ecuador Birding – Where Every Feather Tells a Story

From October 26, 2025 through November 8, 2025 I joined 5 other adventurers and an outstanding photographer and birding guide (Liron Gertsman) with Eagle-Eye Tours to Ecuador for a photography-focused tour. This blog series highlights the animals (mostly birds), people and locations we encountered over the 14 full days in this beautiful land.

• My Ecuador Species Count including Mirador y Restaurante Guaycapi jumps up to: 63 (45 lifers)
• Primary eBird Public Hotspots: Restaurante Mirador Guaycapi

DAY 1 – Early Afternoon

The new bird species just kept coming at the Mirador y Restaurante Guacapi when a pair of WHITE-LINED TANAGERS followed—first the the female, a warm cinnamon‑brown, then the male, jet‑black with bold white wing lines, the contrast between them a perfect example of sexual dimorphism.

Two more hummingbirds soon joined the spectacle. The first was new to me—the WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT, unmistakable with its enormously long, slightly down‑curved bill and bold white facial streaks, a specialist perfectly adapted to probing deep tubular flowers. The second was a familiar friend, the RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, one of the most common species across Central and South America, its fiery tail feathers flaring as it defended the feeders with characteristic aggression.

Alongside them, the BAY-HEADED TANAGERS brought a splash of color, their chestnut heads glowing warmly above turquoise bodies, a combination that always feels painterly and precise. Our attention shifted constantly from one feeding station to another. PALM TANAGERS arrived, their olive‑gray plumage plain yet endearing, a reminder of their easygoing nature.

Another newcomer soon appeared—the THICK-BILLED EUPHONIAS, hopping in for a quick comparison with the Orange‑bellied. Its heavier bill and deeper yellow underparts gave it a sturdier look, while its glossy blue‑black upperparts shimmered in the misty light.

Then came the GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER, a jewel of the cloud forest. Its sapphire‑blue body was crowned with a brilliant golden patch on the nape, a striking accent that seemed to glow against the surrounding greenery. But the showstopper—the bird that stole the entire moment—was the BLUE-NECKED TANAGER, a breathtaking combination of electric blue, velvety black, and subtle violet tones that made it look almost unreal. Seeing it so close felt like encountering a living gemstone.

Next on the list was the LEMON-RUMPED TANAGER, a subspecies of the Flame‑rumped Tanager, an interesting variation with its bright rump flashing like a signal as it moved among the feeders. Soon after, another old friend, the SILVER-THROATED TANAGER, popped in to say hello, its silvery head and throat gleaming against golden‑green plumage, a bird that always feels regal despite its small size.

Three more old friends rounded out the show. The WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN, with its dazzling sapphire body and crisp white neck, hovered like a jewel suspended in air. The CROWNED WOODNYMPH followed, its iridescent green body and violet crown glowing like stained glass in motion.

And finally, the BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR, a sturdy tanager‑like bird with a soft buff throat and olive body, its mellow song adding depth to the chorus around us. The last new species of the day was a PALLID DOVE, quietly lingering near the side entrance. Its soft gray plumage and understated presence contrasted with the riot of color at the feeders, yet it carried its own quiet dignity.

NEXT UP: EB#13 “EB13 – When Color Takes Center Stage: Male and Female Red-headed Barbets Steal the Show“

Additional Photographs and Video

Previous Ecuador Birding Blog Posts:

• 
  EB32 – Afternoon Birds, Bats, Butterflies and a Really Cool Pair of Owls at Sani Lodge
  In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature.
• 
  EB31b – An Avian Hodgepodge of Misplaced Species at San Roque
  In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature.
• 
  EB31 – Unexpected Sentinel: Burrowing Owl on a Floating Forest Island
  In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature.
• 
  EB30 – Napo River Wings: Skimmers, Screamers and Other Surprises
  In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature.
• 
  EB29 – Navigating the Flooded River on Our Way Back to El Retiro
  In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature.
• 
  EB28b – An Afternoon of Soft Rainforest Harmonies Around the Lodge – Part 2
  In October 2025, Jim Gain joined a birding tour in Ecuador, exploring its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes over 14 days. The blog series chronicles his experiences with birds and nature.

>>Ecuador Birding Blog Home Page Link https://reflectionsofthenaturalworld.com/ecuador-birding/

*This Ecuador Birding blog post was shaped and polished with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot, helping bring clarity and a consistent flow to my field notes and dictated memories.
**Unless otherwise indicated in the image caption, all photographs (>99%) are mine.